The Fire Prince

~Chapter Four~

I tapped my pencil and blew the shrivelled parts of my eraser off the desk before exhaling deeply. There had still been no sign of Seph. I had even gone to the library at lunchtime only to find books, and well, more books stacked deftly on the vast shelves. Rumour had it that Coach O'Donald was threatening expulsion when had learned about the little incident involving his star pupil, and it had made me want to warn Seph.

The school bell bellowed one last time for the day. Finally. I watched as the younger years scurried past the metal claws of our prison and into the welcoming grassland beyond - the taste of freedom in their grasp. Unfortunately, Seph was nowhere to be seen.

I pulled back my sleeve to reveal my green, leather wristwatch - quarter to four it read - mother wouldn't be home for at least another two hours.

Sighing, I picked up my feet and retreated to my safe haven in the meadows. As I approached my destination, I noticed someone had stolen my favourite spot from under the apple tree.

A brown satchel had been discarded carelessly, slumping against the tree's thick trunk, whilst a half-bitten apple lay near a pair of stylish plimsolls. Wanting to get a better look, I edged round the bole with great care, only to discover that the person was none other than Seph.

He seemed to be drawing something; his hands were working to produce fast strokes across the paper. I regarded him closely as his usually calm features were twisted into that of anxiety. The corner of my mouth lifted upwards as I wondered what had made the Great Seph worried sick. He seemed to be growing paler as the time went by, that at one point, I was certain his colour had surpassed that of a daisy's petal.

"Can I assist you?" Seph asked in a clipped tone, breaking me from my thoughts.

My heart skipped a beat as in a few seconds his face had turned in my direction; dark, brown spheres scrutinising my every move.

"Are you stalking me?" Came the next accusation.

How could someone that had looked so peaceful, so fragile, and almost human suddenly turn into a defensive troll?

"N-no, I always come here. This place gives me time to think and reflect on things."

Inwardly, I felt my insides combusting into flames from my voice sounding so weak, that even Seph appeared unconvinced at my honest answer.

There was a long pause before either of us spoke again.

"Oh," was all Seph said, before hurriedly beginning to pack his tools into his brown satchel.

"Wait! Don't go. I mean not yet," I fretted, and waved my arms like a wild banshee.

I mentally slapped myself at how desperate I had sounded. Clearing my throat I continued on in a strong voice, "I never got the chance to thank you today...with Jason I mean." Nicely saved, Aurora, I thought to myself.

I peeked at Seph; a small smile graced his godlike face. He looked so handsome when he smiled, that a little light shone in his dark orbs.

"Umm, what is it that you were drawing?" I gently inquired, secretly hoping that he'd stay longer if I asked more questions.

I instantly regretted it though, as his smile receded and a distant look filled his eyes. It was as though I had snuffed out a candle, leaving a cold and empty one in its place.

"Um, Seph?"

I got no response.

Time seemed to have frozen before Seph eventually shrugged his shoulders, and searched his satchel, digging around for the piece of paper he had drawn on. Without a word he handed me the crisp sheet.